Renowned black Christian gospel singer Seth Pinnock has opened up about his coming out experience, saying that he experienced self-loathing and depression as a result of reconciling his sexuality with his Christian beliefs.

The 35-year-old musician announced on social media earlier this month that he was “Black, Queer, Christian, Here” in a poem. His tweet was seen by nearly 6,000 individuals.

He described the response to The Guardian as “painful,” but took comfort in the younger generation’s “super onboard” support.

Pinnock shared that he tried to “pray this away,” even going through conversion therapy, for many years, detesting his sexuality. He eventually found pastors who “helped me unlearn and relearn scripture, and to see this as a justice issue. I realized this was bigger than me, and that my platform could help change the trajectory of someone’s life.”

He believes the way the black Christian community is responding to that younger generation indicates a change.

Pinnock is currently working on a project to discourage youth crime and is a part of a documentary that challenges dangerous theological teachings. He’s also raising awareness of the rising HIV rates in London, particularly among black and brown populations, working with the NHS and Terrence Higgins Trust.